Shedding mechanism for looms



April 18, 1939- J. JABOULEY 2,154,902

SHEDDING MECHANISM FOR LOOMS Filed Deo. 27, 1957 2 sheets-sheet 1 April 18, 1939- J. JABOULEY 2,154,902

SHEDDING MECHANISM FOR LOOMS l Filed Deo. 27, 1957 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 F/G /O 32? s S2 G52 60 gfe/ 6o 33 1| H l I gli 5o i 4 j J fs l' /55l *VES fw" 'Rl 5 I L L 32j3 32 33 32 33 32%/ 33 32 33 32 33 32 Patented Apr. 18, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Joanny Jabouley, Rochetaillee, France, assigner to Celanese Corporation of America, a corporation of Delaware Application December 27, 1937, Serial No. 181,781

In Great 14 Claims.

This invention relates to shedding mechanism for looms.

According to the invention, a fabric containing interlocked threads is woven by controlling a group of three warp threads consisting of an intermediate thread and two other threads lying respectively at the two sides oi' the intermediate thread in such a manner that during the passage of weft the intermediate thread lies in one warp sheet and the other two threads in the other warp sheet, and between one passage of weft and another transposing the two other threads so that they move to opposite sides of the intermediate thread, the transposition of the two threads being repeated at intervals during the weaving of the fabric. Because of the interchanging of the two other threads, these threads cross each other at certain picks, and the repeated crossings of threads produce an effect that can be used for patterning or other purposes. f t

The set of three threads controlled as above may be repeated at any desired positions in the warps. Thus, the three threads may belong to a larger group of threads operatingv in combination and consisting of intermediate threads and other threads forming pairs lying respectively at the two sides of each intermediate thread. For example, two groups of threads making ,six threads in all may lie side by side.

The thread crossings of the one group may be in phase with those of the other or out of phase. Two distinct but adjacent thread groups may be controlled so that threads in each group are pf, transposed with other threads in'that group but not with threads in the adjacent group. The transposing of the threads in each group causes the weft to be securely trapped by the transposed threads and the intermediate thread of each set of three threads, the interlocked fabric formed by the two groups comprising two distinct areas capable of division in the warp-wise direction without fraying of .the divided edges.

Where the three threads belong to a grou-p of a larger number of threads, three of the threads which are transposed may alternate with two intermediate threads, the crossing threads either operating in pairs inv turn or in such a manner that one thread crosses the other two in any desired order. Again, two sets of three threads may be operated in combination, with or without an additional intermediate thread or threads. In this way, more complicatedcrossings of the Warp threads may be ef- 56 fected.

Britain January 13, 1937 The invention is of particular advantage in connection with circular looms adapted to weave tubular fabric since two adjacent but separate groups of warp threads may be woven in the interlocked manner described above to form two 5 distinct areas capable of being cut or otherwise divided in the warp-wise direction to form two selvedges which do not fray at the divided edges.

The crossing movement of the threads may be effected by independent means engaging each 10 thread and4 movable so as to transpose the relative positions of the outer threads with respect to the intermediate thread, suitable controlling means being provided to bring about the movements of the desired sequence.

Conveniently the apparatus according to the invention operates in conjunction with the existing shedding mechanism of a loom. Thus, a loom containing the apparatus according to the invention comprises means for shedding a num- 20 ber of warp threads after the passage of each pick of weft in a manner such that the intermediate thread of a group of three threads lies in one warp sheet and the other two threads lie in the opposing warp sheet, thread-controlling means adapted to transpose the two other threads so that they move to opposite sides of the intermediate thread, and means for operating the controlling means to transpose the two threads between one passage of weft and another.

Themovements of the two outer threads of a set of three warp threads are advantageously effected by rotatable thread-controlling means. Such means, hereinafter referred to as a twister, may in its simplest form comprise a hub or tube. carrying a pair of arms substantially parallelto the hub axis. The twister is rotatably mountedV with its arms extending substantially normal to the sheet of warp threads and with the free ends of its arms lying just clear of the warps whenV no shedding takes place.

The arms terminate in guide eyes adapted to receive a pair of threads passing through a hole in the hub axis from any suitable supply. From the guide eyes the two threads extend to the fell -of the fabric, the threads leaving the guide holes substantially at right angles to the arms of the twister. With the twister so positioned that its two arms carry their respective threads to positions on each side of one thread of the sheet of Warps, shedding is eiected to carry that thread between the two arms, thereby permtting the insertion of a pick of weft. 'Ihe intermediate thread then returns to its normal positionv and; is shedded away from the arms for tion to bring the two threads back to their origi. nal position, the cycle then being completed in` four picks. .Y l For some purposes, however, the twisting movements may take place less frequently, so that a greater number of picks must be inserted to complete the cycle.

While single twisters mayU be used independently at desired positions in the war-p sheets, e. g.

to produce ribs or other pattern effects, two or more twisters may also be disposed side by side or in overlapping relationship to produce more or less complicated pattern or other effects. YTwo twisters or two sets oi twisters may also be disposed adjacent to each other without intervening warp threads so as to produce an open-work effect in the fabric.

As mentioned above, the operation of the twister brings about a locking of the warp threads and the weftV threads. In addition, therefore, to producing pattern effects by reason ofthe crossing of the warp threads, the invention may be used primarily to secure weft threads against slipping in the fabric. For example,` the invention may be used to enable the fabric to be cut warp-wise with a secure selvedge as mentioned above. Thus, if two groups of threads slightly spaced from each other are controlled in the manner above described, cuttingof the weft threads may be elected between the two groups, leaving the two edges of the fabricV produced secure against slipping.

The invention may therefore vbe vused in looms adapted to weave widths of fabric Yintended'to be cut into lesser widths. O-ne instance of this is the weaving of tie fabrics, which. are relatively narrow and yet can conveniently be woven in multi-widths on a wide loom. A further instance, as mentioned above,-is in the weaving of fabrics on circular looms, in which, by reason of the continuous insertion of the weft, vno selvedge in the ordinarily understood sense is provided. According to the invention, groups of warp threads can be controlled at desired positions round the loom circumference to enable theY fabric to be cut either into a single piece with secure selvedges, or into two or more pieces.

Forms of apparatus according to the invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings of which I Fig. 1 is a part cross-sectional 'elevation of.

part of a circular loom employing rotating shuttles; Fig. 2 is a plan of part of the apparatus shown in Fig. l;

Fig. 3 is affront elevation of a detail ofFigs. 1 and 2; .f

Figs. 4 and 5 are plan views of details of Fig. 3; Fig. 6 is a part cross-sectional end elevation of a detail of Figs. l and 2; v f

Fig. 7 is a plan of a detail of Fig. l; and Figs. 8 to 13 are diagrams illustrating methods of forming the improved fabric according to the invention. ,v ,i Referring to Fig..1 warpthreads'll'. unwind# ing from beams or like supply packages (not shown) proceed downwardly in cylindrical arrangement to the fabric 5, along the fell 6 of which weft is laid by a number of rotating shuttles of which one ('I) is indicated in the gure. The fabric is tubular and is supported below the fell 6 by the edge of a ring 3 outstanding from the central shaft 9 of the loom. f

The warp threads 2 are shedded progressively l,round the loom to receive the shuttles I by shedding wheels I I, I2 which co-operate with a reedlike memberjl supported by a spider I4 outstanding from the central shaft 9 of the loom. The reed-like 'memberl3 is formed with a series of radially disposed closely spaced dents I (of whicha few are shown in Fig. 2), each of which is, formed with an jeye I6 at a point midway along its length'and coinciding with the normal unshedded line I1 of the warp threads 2.

"Alternate warp threads are threaded through the eyes I6 'of the dents I5 and thus are fixed with respect to lateral movement, while the remaining 'threads are threaded between adjacent dents 'and thus are free to move radially along the spaces between the dents.

'Ihe shedding wheels II are carried around the loom on the inside of the warp circle by a spider I8 which is driven at shuttle speed, while the wheels I2 are carried round the loom outside the warp vcircle on standards I9 secured to an element (not shown) rotating at the same speed. One inner shedding wheel II is mounted slightly in advance of each alternate shuttle 'I (see Fig. 2) While one outer wheel I2 is mounted in similar association with each ofthe remaining shuttles, the disposition of each wheel being such that its periphery projects beyond the normal line II of the warp threads with the result that all the warp threads are pressed progressively towards and away from the loom axis respectively at succeeding shuttles.

Since, however, alternate threads 2v are fixed in thel normal line I'I with respect to radial movement, only the free warp threads can move radially on being pressed, such division of the warp threads forming sheds 20 for the reception of the Yshuttles '1, first on one side and then on the other of the normal line I7, as indicated in Fig. 2.

In order to form an interlocked selvedge at any point round the loom to enable the tubular fabric 5 to be cut without fraying of the cut edges, pairs of alternate warp threads selected from the number which are to be employed in the selvedge are freed fromI the control of the reedlike member vI3 and are placed under the control of a twister device which manipulates the threads in a manner to be described hereinafter.

The following description will be directed more particularly to the case in which fourteen adjacent warp threads are formed into a selvedge capable of being cut up the middle to form two equal widths of interlocked fabric.

Thus to manipulate fourteen warp threads a number ofthe dents` I 5are removed from the reedlike member I3Yat the desired position, and a twister 2I comprising four pairs of thread-con- .trolling unitsis secured tothe spider I4 near the cured to the tubes 24 forma trainof 'engaging gears. The tubular members 24 (and hence the arms 23) are rotated'by a quadrant 28 which engages one of the pinions 21 and is mounted on a spindle 29 operated at intervals by an arm 3| which is secured to the spindle and isfOrked at its free extremity.

Eight alternate warp threads (indicated generally at 32 in Figs. 1 and 2) are divided into pairs and each pair is threaded through a tube 24 to the arms 23, each pairof threads then being divided into single threads each of which is threaded through a guide 25 and from the. guide passes to the fell 6 of the fabric. The six remaining threads of the set of fourteen (indicated generally 'at 33 in Fig. 1) pass to the fell of the fabric through guide `slots 34 formed in a plate 35 (see Figs. l and 7) secured to the top of the block 26 of the twister 2 The twister is so positioned'that the threads 32 are heldnear to the'normal unshedded line of the warp threads and are thus incapable of radial movement from such line. The remaining threads 33 controlled b-y the plate 35 are lfree to move radially between the fixed threads 32 when pressed by the shedding wheels l2. Each pair of threads 32 controlled bythe arms 23 of a twister unit thus co-operates withv a single thread 33, making a set or group of three threads in association with each unit. The threads 33 are hereinafter referred to as the intermediate threads.

It will be noted from Figs. 3 and 10 that the twister 2| is so constructed that two of the units (each comprising a pair of arms 23) are disposed at a diierent level from the other two and are arranged so that an arm 23 of each of the upper units lies approximately midway (in the circumferential direction of the loom) between the arms 23 of the lower units, and the intermediate threads 33 are regularly disposed with respect to the arms. The reason for such disposition of the arms 23 will be apparent from the following description.

Secured to the spider I4 is a plate 31 provided with a vertical spindle 38 which serves as a pivot for a hollow pillar 39. A rod 40 projects outwardly from the lower end of the pillar and engages the forked end of the arm 3| secured to the spindle 29 of the twister 2|. The upper end of the pillar 39 is formed with a longer rod 42 which extends outwardly from opposite sides of the pillar. In Fig. 2 the left-hand end of the rod 42 is shown broken in order to enable the rod 40 (which lies directly beneath the rod 42) to be illustrated.

The spider I8 carries outstanding arms I0 from each of which depends a catch 43 at aposition slightly in advance of each alternate shuttle, the catches being disposed in a manner such that the rod 42 is struck first at one side of the pillar 39 and then, after the passage of two shuttles, at the other side of the pillar as the spider rotates round the loom. The lowermost arm I0 illustrated in Fig. 2 is shownv to be more advanced (in the direction of rotation of vthe spider IS-indicated by the arrow) than actually is the case. This arm is disposed slightly in advance of the shuttle following shuttle 54 (to be referred to later).

The striking of the two portions of the rod 42 in alternation causes the pillar 39 and the rod 4u to oscillate about the pivot 38 with the result that the arm 3| and quadrant 28 are also caused to oscillate and thus rotate the tubular members 24 and arms 23 xed thereto, first in one direction and then in the other.

The extent of the movement of the rod 40 is limited by stop screws 44 threaded through lugs 45 upstanding from the plate 31. The screws 44 are adjusted so as to limit the rotation of the arms 23 to 180 so that the arms rotate in a semi-circle, first in one direction and then in the opposite direction back to their original position.

Each catch 43 is pivoted on a stud 4| and is adapted to yield against the resistance to continued motion of the rod 42 when the rod 4|! strikes a stop screw 44, the catch being returned to operative position by a spring |45 after having passed the rod 42. The operation of the catches 43 will be apparent from Figs. 1 and 6,

the catches rotating in the direction indicatedby the arrow, until they clear the rod 42.

In the intervals between its operating movements the pillar 39 is held secureltr with its rod 40 against a stop screw 44 (in order to prevent accidental rotation of the thread-controlling varms 23) by a spring locking device (see Figs. l and 2). The device comprises apin 30 upstanding from the base of the pillar 39`and a ring member 46 surrounding the pillar 39 and pivo-tally connected to the pin. The member 46 is urged rearwardly by a spring 41 secured to a pin 48 upstanding from the plate 31. The spring 41 and ring mem; ber 46 thus co-operate to hold the pillar 39 stationary in either of its extreme positions, in a manner which will be obvious from the above figures.

At the commencement of weaving an outer shedding wheel l2 presses all the Warp threads inwardly towards the loom axis. The intermediate threads 33 are thus pushed along the slots 34 of the plate 35 between the threads 32 controlled by the farms 23, to the position shown in dotted line in Fig. l and also indicated in Fig. l0 and form a shed in which a pick of weft 50 is laid by a shuttle 49 (Fig. 2).

The threads 33 are thus contained in the inner sheet of warp threads while the threads 32 are contained in the outer sheet. At the next shuttle (5|) an inner shedding wheel (shown in dotted line in Fig. 2) presses the threads outwardly, the threads 33 thus being pressed radially between the arms 23 away from the loom axis to the position shown in chain line in Fig. l, and

another shed is thus formed of which the threads 32 are contained in the inner sheet and the threads 33 in the outer sheet.

Immediately before the shedding of the threads by the wheel a catch 43 strikes an end of the rod 42 and thus causes the thread guiding arms 23 to rotate through 180 to transpose the position of the pairs of warp threads 32 controlled thereby, as indicated in Figs. 10 and 11, the threads rotating from the positions A, B, C and D to the positions A', B', C' and D.

The transposition of the Warp threads 32 causes each outer pair of threads of each set or group of three to cross behind the threads 33 disposed between them. Weft 53 is then laid in the shed by the next shuttle (5| With the outer threads 32 still in their transposed position, the intermediate threads 33 are now pressed inwardly between the arms 23 by an outer shedding wheel |2 to form a shed for the reception of the succeeding shuttle (54) which lays weft 55 in the shed. After the passage of that shuttle the threads 33 are again pushed outwardly to form a further shed for the following shuttle, and a catch 43 now strikes the opposite end of therod 42 to cause the arms 23 to rotate and transpose the threads 32 to their original positions, i. e. in which A', B', C and D revolve to positions A, B, C and D respectively. Weft 56 is then laid in the new shed. rI'he threads 32 are thus crossed again behind the intermediate threads 33, this crossing completing a cycle of four picks 50, 53, 55, 56, (indicated by a bracket in Fig. 10) which is repeated in the manner described above. An exceedingly firm locking of weft and warp threads is obtained by the arrangement just described.

By reason of the twisting of the threads 32 there is a tendency for a greater length of such threads to be consumed than of the intermediate threads 33 which do not have a twisting movement. For this reason, therefore, (and, if desired, to enable special threads to be used in the selvedge) the threads 32 are supplied to the twister 2| from a separate package 51 disposed on the spider I 4 and capable of delivering threads at a different rate from that of the other warp threads. The package 51 is formed with a braking surface 58, the rate of rotation of the package being braked by a band and weight device 59 bearing on the surface 58 in order to subject the warp threads 32 to the desired amount of tension.

It is not necessary that alternate rotations of the arms 23 should be in opposite directions. On the other hand, more than one-half revolution may take place in the same direction, to be followed by a corresponding number of half revolutions in the opposite direction, by suitably modifying the quadrant and associated mechanism.

The downward inclination of the arms 23 (see Fig. 1) enables the end of one arm that passes above the other arm during the rotation of a pair of arms to lie at a slightly greater radial distance than the end of the lower of each pair of arms, as shown clearly in Fig. 1. The two threads 32 controlled by a single unit thus pass clear of each other as they change positions.

The selvedge woven in the manner described above is formed with two similar areas 60 (Fig. 10) which are separated by a dividing line 6|-6l along which the selvedge may be cut without fraying of the cut edges.

A form of simple interlocking weave'comprising two warp threads 32 and one intermediate warp thread 33 and operating over a four-pick cycle, obtainable by using one pair only of threadcontrolling arms 23, is shown in Fig. 8. Thus as a pick of weft 62 is laid, the threads 32 (indicated at E, E' in Fig. 9) lie in the outer warp sheet and the intermediate thread 33 lies to the inside between the thread-controlling arms 23. When the thread 33 is pressed outwardly to form the next shed for the succeeding weft pick 63 the arms 23 are rotated through 180 (viz. E moves to E and E moves to E) to transpose the pair of threads 32 and thus cause them to cross each other behind the intermediate thread 33.

After the laying of the weft pick 63 the intermediate thread 33 is again pressed inwardly between the arms 23 soV that the threads 32 again lie in the outside warp shed, and a pick 64 of weft is laid in the shed so formed. After the laying of the pick 64 the intermediate thread 33 is pressed outwardly again and the arms 23 are rotated through in the opposite direction back to their original positions (viz. E moves to E and E moves to E), such rotation crossing the threads 32 again. A pick of weft 65 is then laid in the shed, thus completing the cycle of four picks indicated by the bracket in Fig. 8. The

next cycle is started vas the intermediate thread 33 is pressed inwardly between the arms 23 to form a shed for the reception of a further pick 62 (i. e. the iirst pick of the next cycle), and the sequence of operations described above is repeated.

Another form of twisting unit according to the invention contains more than two arms 23. For example such unit may have three arms 23 controlling a corresponding number of threads 32 and adapted to be used with two intermediate threads 33 lying to the inside of the two outermost arms. Such three-armed unit can be given movements of say 1/6 or multiples of 1/6 of a revolution in any desired sequence to cause pairs of threads 32 to move to opposite sides of th intermediate threads 33.

The operation of a three-armed device, and a form of weave obtainable thereby, will now be described withV reference to Figs. l2 and 13. 'I'he weave comprises ve warp threads and operates over a sixteen-pick cycle, the twister unit being rotated through 60 in one direction at each of four alternate picks, followed by similar rotation in the reverse direction. It will be noted from Fig. 13 that the two intermediate warp threads 33 lie evenly between the three threads 32 controlled by the arms 23, the threads 32 for convenience being designated F, G, H.

Thus at the commencement of a cycle the intermediate threads 33 are pressed inwardly between the arms 23 and a pick 66 of weft is laid in the shed thus formed. The threads 33 are then pressed outwardly, and after passing the extremities of the arms 23 the twisting unit is rotated through 1/6 of'a revolution inthe direction indicated by the` arrow in order to cross the threads F and H, leaving thread G still to the right of the right-hand thread 33.

A pick of weft 61 is then laid in the shed and the intermediate threads 33 are again pressed inwardly to form a new shed for the reception of a pick of weft 68. After the laying of the latter pick the twister unit is rotated through a further 1/6 of a revolution in the same direction in order to cross threads F and G, leaving thread H still to the left of the left-hand thread 33. On the next shedding motion of the threads to bring the intermediate threads 33 outwardly a pick of weft 69 is laid and the threads are again shedded to reverse the positions of the threads 33 relatively to the threads F, G, H, in the manner apparent from Fig. 12.

The thread F now occupies the position in the fabric originally occupied by G, and G occupies the position originally occupied by H (i. e. in the middle of thefpattern), G at the next pick but one being crossed over to the position originally occupied by F, while H is brought into the middle of the pattern. At the eighth pick threads F and H are transposed, while G remains Ito the left of the intermediate threads 33. The eighth pick represents a half of the weaving cycle which forms a completed pattern (such half-cycle being indicated by the bracket in Fig. 12), the remaining half being a reversal of the first half as will be apparent from Fig. 12.

The twisters 2| may also be used in conjunction with shedding mechanism in which deflection of the normal warp Athreads takes place in one radial direction only, e. g. always radially inwards. Thus, the intermediate warp threads 33 may be controlled by healds or other devices under the control of the shedding meching such Vinward deection and by giving the threads controlled by the twisters 2l an inward deection, as for example b-y moving the twister itself radially inwardly., This movement of -the twister may be controlled by means rotating'with the shuttles and associated withv the particular shuttles at which'such movement is desired.

l Having described my invention, what I desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A circular lloom comprising means for shedding a number of warp threads after the passage-of each pick of weft in a manner such that the intermediatev thread of a ygroup of three threads lies inone warp sheet and the other-two threads lie in the opposingwarp sheet, thread guiding meansv for guiding the intermediate thread between the two other vthreads during shedding, rotary thread-controlling means adapted to transpose the two other threads 'so that they move to opposite sides of the intermediate thread, and a driving member between which and the thread-controlling means there is relative circular motion with. respect to the loom axis, said driving member bringing about rotation of the thread-controlling means between one passage of weft and anotherto transpose the two other threads. i

2. A circular loom comprising means for shedding a number of warp threads after the passage of each pick of weft in a manner such that the intermediate thread of a group of three threads lies in oney warp. sheet and the other two threads lie in the opposingwarp sheet, thread guiding means for guiding the intermediate thread between the two other threads during shedding, a rotatable member formed with a plurality o f outstanding thread guiding arms each adapted to control a thread, said-arms being spaced from each other to allow of the shedding of an intermediate thread between the arms, a -driving member between whichv and the rotatable member there is relative circular motion with respect to the loom axis, said driving member bringing about the operation of the rotatable member between one passage of weft and another to transpose the threads controlled by the the arms.

3. A circular loom according to claim 2, wherein each of the outstanding thread guiding arms is formed with a hole at its free extremity for controlling a thread, and the rotatable member is formed with a tube adapted to allow of the passage of warp threads therethrough.

4. A circular loom comprising means for shedding a number of warp threads after the passage of each pick of weft in a manner such that the intermediate thread of a group of three threads lies in one warp sheet and the other two threads lie in the opposing warp sheet, thread guiding means for guiding the intermediate thread between the two other threads during shedding, a rotatable member formed with a plurality of outstanding thread guiding arms each adapted to control a thread, said arms being spaced from each other` to allow oi the shedding of an intermediate thread between the arms, a tube formed in said rotatable member and adapted to allow of the passage of warp threads therethrough, a pinion formed on said rotatable member, a quadrant adapted gtodrive the pinion, and a driving member between which and the rotatable member there is relative circular motion with respect to the loom axis, said driving member bringing about the operation of the quadrant to rotate the rotatable member Abetween one passage of weft and another to transpose the threadscontrolled by the 5v. A circular.. loom according to claim 4 comprising armv in association with the quadrant,the driving` member bringing about rotation of .the armhon said quadrant to rotate the rotatable member between one passage of weft and another-to transpose the threads controlled by the arms.

. 6. A circular'loom comprising means for sheddinga numben of .warp threads after the passage oi eachpick of weft in a manner such that the intermediate thread of a group of three threads lies in one warp sheet and the other'tWo threadslie in the opposing warp sheet, thread guiding means for guiding the intermediate thread between-the two other threads during shedding, a rotatable member formed with a plurality of outstanding thread guiding arms each adapted to control a thread, said arms being spaced lfrom each other to allow of the shedding of an intermediate thread between the arms, a pinion formed on said rotatable member, a quadrantA adapted to drive the pinion, an arm in association with the quadrant, a pivoted rod in connection with the quadrant arm, a further pivoted rod in driving engagement with the first-mentioned pivoted rod, and yieldable catches secured to a member between which and the rotatable member there is relative circular motion with respect tothe loom axis, said catches being adapted to strike the further-rod between one passage of weft and another rst on one side and then on the other of the pivot, so as to oscillate the rod and thusvtransmit drive to the rotatable member first in one direction and then in the other to transpose the .threads controlled by the arms.

*7.l vA circular loom according to claim 6 comprising means for regulating the extent of the movement ofthe pivoted rod so as to control the angle through which the rotatable member is permitted to rotate.

8. A circular loom comprising means for shedding a number of warp threads after the passage of each pick of weft in a manner such that in two adjacent groups of three threads the intermediate threads of the groups lie in one warp sheet and the other two threads of the groups lie in the opposing warp sheet, thread guiding means for guiding the intermediate thread of each group between the two other threads in the group during shedding, rotary thread-controlling means adapted to transpose the two other threads in each group so that they move to opposite sides of their respective intermediate threads, and a driving member between which and the threadcontrolling means there is relative circular motion with respect to the loom axis, said driving member bringing about the operation of the thread-controlling means for each group to transpose the threads between one passage of weft and another so as to form interlocked fabric comprising two distinct areas capable of division in the warp-wise direction without fraying of the divided edges.

9. A circular loom of the type in which shedding is effected by deflecting a number of warp threads to one side of the normal line that they follow in approaching a shuttle from the warp supply, comprising a rotatable member formed with two outstanding thread guiding arms adapted to control a pair of warp threads disposed one on each side oi an intermediate warp thread and out of the normal line of the warp sheet, said arms being spaced apart and disposed in such a manner as to allow free passage of the intermediate thread between the arms during shedding, means to deect the intermediate warp thread from its normal line so that it passes beyond the pair of warp threads, thread guiding means for guiding the intermediate thread between the pair of threads during shedding, a driving member between which and the rotatable member there is relative circular motion with respect to the loom axis, said driving member bringing about the operation of the rotatable member between one passage of weft and another to transpose the pair of threads controlled by the arms.

10. A circular loom according to claim 9 compising a plurality of rotatable members controlling adjacent pairs of warp threads, a pinion on each of said rotatable members, said pinions being connected in successive driving relation, and a gear in driving connection with one of said pinions, the driving member operating the gear between one passage of weft and another to bring about rotation of the rotatable members to transpose the threads controlled by the arms so as to form interlocked fabric comprising two distinct areas capable of division in the warpwise direction without fraying of the divided edges.

11. A loom comprising means for shedding a number of warp threads after the passage of each pick of weft in a manner such that the intermediate thread of a group of three threads lies in one warp sheet and the other two threads: lie in the opposing warp sheet, thread guiding means for guiding the intermediate thread between the two other threads during shedding, rotary threadcontrolling means adapted to transpose the two other threads so that they move to opposite sides of the intermediate thread, and means for operating said controlling means to transpose the two other threads between one passage of weft and another.

12. A loom comprising means for shedding a number of warp threads after the passage of each pick of weft in a manner such that the intermediate thread of a group of three threads lies in one warp sheet and the other two threads lie in the opposing warp sheet, thread guiding means for guiding the intermediate thread between the two other threads during shedding, a rotatable member formed with a plurality of outstanding thread guiding arms each adapted to control a thread, said arms being spaced from each other to allow of the shedding of an intermediate thread between the arms, and means for rotating the rotatable member between one passage of weft and another to transpose the threads controlled by the arms.

13. A loom comprising means for shedding a number of warp threads after the passage of each pick of weft in a manner such that the intermediate thread of a group of three threads lies in one warp sheet and the other two threads lie in the opposing warp sheet, thread guiding means for guiding the intermediate thread between the two other threads during shedding, a rotatable member formed with a plurality of outstanding thread guiding arms, each formed with a hole at its free extremity for controlling a thread, the said arms being spaced from each other to allow of the shedding of an intermediate thread between the arms, a tube formed in said rotatable member and adapted to allow of the passage of warp threads therethrough, and means for rotating the rotatable member between one passage oi weft and another to transpose the threads controlled by the arms.

14. A loom according to claim 12 comprising a plurality of rotatable members controlling adjacent pairs ofwarp threads, a pinion on each of said lrotatable members, saidV pinio-ns being connected in successive driving relation, and a gear in driving connection with one of said pinions, said gearoperating between one passage of weft and another to rotate the rotatable members vso as to transpose the threads controlled by the arms.

JOANNY JABOULEY. 

